FAQ

Q.  What is the payback period ?

A.  It depends on the variables of crop value and  increased yield as well as side benefits of water and fertilizer savings.  see Resources section.

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Q.  How much does it cost per acre?
A.    $ 2,000 per acre turnkey installed.  We may offer grower-installed pricing in the future.  While this is roughly double the cost of drip irrigation, there are major differences.  Membranes are a permanent

real estate improvement and do not require water nor maintenance.  The payoff will continue for centuries.

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Q.   How long will it last?  
A.  Barring a major catastrophe, several hundred years ( the half life of polyethylene is estimated to be about 450 years ) .  It should last as long as geotextile landfill liners, cable and gas pipe.

 

Q.  What polymer is the membrane made of?
A.  Premium ( PFAS and BPA free ) multilayer polyethylene copolymer optimized for tear and impact resistance in a hostile environment.   There is a huge variation in the polyethylene species.  Ordinary trash bag or bread bag resin will rip and have holes.  Developed with no animal testing.

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Q.  Is drip tape a component of membrane underlay ?

A.  No.  If you want to install drip tape, that's fine.   Best to install drip tape in a separate pass.

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Q. When the membrane degrades, will it contribute toxins to the ambient and water table ?

A.  No.  Polyethylene is simple inert hydrocarbons derived from natural gas.   There are no toxins to leach.   It has been a common practice to bury plastic for landfill liners, drainage tile, gas pipe and cable jackets. 

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Q.  Will plant roots penetrate the membrane ?

A.   No.  They spread out on the membrane.  Over time, the old roots will enrich biomass and nutrients.

The results can only be beneficial.